Members of the Edmund Rice Society came together on March 24 at the Rice Oval to walk for a cure at the organization’s third annual Vasculitis Walk.

Associate Director of Student Retention and Moderator of the Edmund Rice Society Felicia Colangelo came up with the idea for the fundraiser to support Iona College alum Kathryn Malara, a dedicated student leader and former member of the Edmund Rice Society who contracted Vasculitis before her graduation from Iona in 2010.

Malara was diagnosed with Wegener’s Granulomatosis, a form of Vasculitis, and her entire life took a turn. Wegener’s Granulomatosis affects about in 20,000 people, making her diagnosis both unexpected and rare. Malara’s treatment consisted of frequent hospital visits as well as extensive chemotherapy.

Malara was forced to change her daily routine and counted the days until she could return to school and get back to doing what she loved. Being involved.

“Iona was her life,” said Colangelo. “Being out for the period of time that she was out with this disease really affected her.”

Colangelo worked closely with Malara to ensure she remained on track in her studies and her involvement on campus.

The former student has been strong in her battle with Wegener’s Granulomatosis but is still living with the disease today. She came out to be a part of the Edmund Rice Society’s walk and expressed her deepest gratitude for the members of the organization.

“You guys are heroes in my eyes for the simple fact that you came here for an hour,” said Malara on the field.

She continued to thank participants for their support and also asked to share a moment of silence for a friend of hers who had recently lost her own battle with the disease.

The Edmund Rice Society brought in close to 100 members to donate, raise awareness and walk for a cure in support of a former member of the organization.In total, the organization raised $523.

“I am always touched by the generosity of the Edmund Rice Society, and at the Vasculitis Walk. I was again moved by the turnout,” said Colangelo. “When Malara spoke, you could clearly see how everyone was clearly struck by her struggle.”

Colangelo went on to say that many members of the organization approached Malara after the event to offer love and support.